Mizuki Nagano's 'The Person I Loved Asked Me to Die in My Sister’s Stead' Confirmed for Anime Adaptation

TO Books officially confirmed yesterday that Mizuki Nagano's popular light novel series, The Person I Loved Asked Me to Die in My Sister's Stead, is receiving an anime adaptation. The announcement arrived on January 6, 2026, via the publisher's official channels, confirming the adaptation of the dark fantasy romance that has consistently ranked highly in industry guides.

Key production details remain unconfirmed at the time of reporting. The studio handling the animation, the main cast, and a specific release window have not yet been revealed. We are also awaiting confirmation on whether the project will be a TV series or a film.

The story centers on Lady Wisteria, who is desperate to earn the favor of Lord Bright. Her situation turns grim when her sister, Rosalie, is selected as the guardian for the Predawn Realm, a dangerous, miasma-filled underworld requiring a one-way trip. Bright then pressures Wisteria to take her sister's place, arguing her superior magic skills make her the better candidate for the deadly assignment.

The light novel series has strong momentum leading into the adaptation. Nagano originally serialized the story online via Shōsetsuka ni Narō starting in November 2020. The first print volume from TO Books arrived in September 2021, featuring illustrations by Saori Toyota. The novels have consistently performed well, earning spots on Takarajimasha's Kono Light Novel ga Sugoi! rankings from 2023 through 2026.

The anime news precedes several major releases for the franchise. Volume 8 of the light novels is set to hit shelves on January 10. The manga adaptation by Maki Yamori, which began in June 2022 on TO Books' Corona EX site, will also release its sixth volume on January 10. Tokyopop is handling the English release of the manga, with Volume 4 slated for August 2025. Furthermore, the second drama CD is due out on January 10, 2026, following the first one released in August 2024.